Stress incontinence is the leakage of urine which can be hardly controlled when carrying out physical activities like sneezing, coughing, sports, exercising, or a sudden change of position. It is also known as SUI (stress urinary incontinence). Urgency incontinence takes place with an unexpected, strong need to urinate. Often, this can result in considerable urine leakage as the individual struggles to get to the toilet fast enough to urinate.
The bowl-shaped set of muscles supporting the bladder, rectum, bowel, and uterus is called the pelvic floor. Sometimes, pelvic pains come about when pelvic floor muscles are too tight. This causes the uncontrollable opening up of the urethra.
The sudden pressure can also be a result of different forceful activities such as laughing too much. Often, individuals with severe stress incontinence experience urine leakage, even with less forceful activities. It can range from a few drops of urine to large amounts that can wet their clothes and pants.
The physical therapists that work at Oklahoma Physical Therapy are qualified specialists in helping reduce SUI. Available statistics show (PDF) that one in every three women suffers from SUI at some point in her life. Medical studies have revealed that the probability of stress incontinence increases as one gets older.
Recent studies show that half of the women aged 50 and above experience incontinence but the majority of them do not discuss this with their doctors. Although the condition is quite common, stress incontinence can make people feel embarrassed and lower their self-esteem.
Here are the risk factors that increase the probability that a person will suffer from stress incontinence:
- Gender: There is a higher likelihood of females getting SUI than males
- Pregnancy and giving birth
- Smoking habits
- Being overweight
- Chronic coughing
- Prostate or pelvic surgery
- Lower back nerve injuries
How we help
Oklahoma Physical Therapy cares about the well-being of every patient and is committed to helping patients heal in the shortest time possible. After a thorough examination, the physical therapists will work closely with you to make a treatment plan designed to reduce the inconveniences that SUI brings. Contact us today and let us create a custom treatment plan for you.